Foreign Minister Plassnik Meets Luxembourg Counterpart in Vienna

22.12.2004

"Austria will fully support Luxembourg during her EU-Presidency in all areas!"

Vienna, 22 December 2004 - Ursula Plassnik, the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, met Jean Asselborn, the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, today. At their working meeting, the ministers discussed current European issues, such as the forthcoming EU-Presidency of Luxembourg, the Austrian Presidency in 2006, the ratification of the EU-Constitution and the latest developments in EU- Enlargement.

Moreover, the foreign ministers dealt with international issues, in particular with the role of the EU in the Middle East peace efforts, with EU-US relations, and with the situation in the Western Balkans region.

"Relations between Austria and Luxembourg are characterised by special sympathy and warmth," emphasised the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, going on to say, that "Austria appreciates Luxembourg for her role as a founding member of the European Community and for her experience in shaping European policies."

"Austria will fully support Luxembourg during her EU-Presidency in all areas," assured the Foreign Minister. In view of the fact that the two Presidencies are only six months apart, the meeting was a welcome opportunity to learn more about the mutual state of preparations and to exchange opinions on topical issues on the Brussels agenda. By way of conclusion, Plassnik wished Foreign Minister Asselborn and Luxembourg "the best of success for Luxembourg’s eleventh EU-Presidency".